Hsinchu County Gas Leak Patrol: Increased Odorant on June 16 to Prevent Accidents

(Central News Agency reporter Lu Gang-jun, Hsinchu County, June 15) Hsinchu Gas Co., Ltd. announced today that, to ensure public safety, it will increase the concentration of odorant additives in its natural gas distribution pipelines in Zhubei City, Xinfeng Township, Hukou Township, Xinzhuang Township, and Guanxi Township of Hsinchu County from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM tomorrow. Enhanced leak patrols will be conducted to strictly prevent accidents.

On June 9, a suspected gas pipeline rupture at a residence on Gaocui Road in Hsinchu City leaked gas, which ignited due to an electrical spark, causing an explosion that damaged buildings and resulted in the deaths of a married couple.

Hsinchu Gas stated that if residents detect an unusual odor or suspect a gas leak, they should immediately report it to the company. Natural gas is colorless, odorless, non-toxic, flammable, and explosive. For safety reasons, government regulations require the addition of an odorant—specifically, 6 to 15 milligrams per cubic meter of 'tert-butyl mercaptan.' While non-toxic, this substance produces a strong, unpleasant smell to serve as a warning. Exposure may cause discomfort or aversion, but poses no health risk. (Edited by Li Ming-zong) 1150615